SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
Kepler Communications has signed an agreement with TESAT-Spacecom and Airbus Defence and Space as partners to develop a high bandwidth optical communications network in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The partnership is the first step in addressing the European Space Agency’s (ESA) High Throughput Optical Network (HydRON) program. In a post on the ESA Connectivity and Secure Communications LinkedIn account, ESA stated the “partnership presents an opportunity for a future proposal for the HydRON Demonstration System Element #1.” Of note, this past week the High thRoughput Optical Network Demonstration System (HydRON-DS) opportunity closed.
In it’s own press release, Kepler stated that they will lead the effort “to deliver real-time optical communications to the market, leveraging the strengths of each entity to provide an innovative solution for key opportunities such as HydRON. The project will demonstrate the world’s first operational optical multi-orbit transport network, enhancing the capabilities of spaceborne and terrestrial networks.”
Kepler which built a satellite manufacturing facility to build their own satellites a few years ago, will use that experience along with experience in spacecraft constellation design, ground segment technology and operations for the project.
The other partners will bring their own expertise to the project. “TESAT is contributing expertise in space optical and network payload development, while Airbus is leveraging its expertise in optical communication by contributing operational and system engineering know-how as well as access to optical ground stations to the project.”
ESA said the “HydRON will demonstrate the world’s first operational optical multi-orbit transport network, enhancing the capabilities of space-borne and terrestrial networks, and preparing the way for the first terabit/sec capacity optical satellite network.”
Mina Mitry, chief executive officer and co-founder of Kepler said, “Kepler’s mission to build the Internet for Space is well-positioned to support HydRON’s objective to demonstrate ‘Fibre in the sky,’ extending Internet connectivity to space. This collaboration enables the development of terabit-per-second data relay in space, with a state-of-the-art optical network architecture that gives European and Canadian forces secure access to spacecraft data with sub-second latency.”
Kepler also stated that they are “leveraging technology currently being developed for their LEO optical data relay network, The Kepler Network. The company launched its first two optical pathfinder satellites in late 2023 and expects its first full tranche of optical satellites to be launched and operational by 2025, providing services to both commercial and government partners.”
Thomas Reinartz, CEO at TESAT-Spacecom added that, “Joining forces with Kepler and Airbus accelerates the advancement and adaptation of optical communications, setting the stage for a new era in space communication by providing unprecedented data throughput and reliability.”
“Our collaboration with Kepler and TESAT on the HydRON opportunity exemplifies our commitment to innovation and our role in shaping the future of European and global telecommunications, ” said Philippe Pham, Senior Vice President Telecoms & Navigation Systems at Airbus. “Our team is proud to develop a new generation of optical communications technology in space.”
